Control of psychomotor agitation and aggressive behavior in patients with autistic disorder: a retrospective chart review.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacotherapy on the symptoms of psychomotor agitation and aggressive behavior in a sample of patients with autistic spectrum disorder.


METHODS
The charts of all patients with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder, receiving care for psychomotor agitation and/or aggressive behavior in two psychiatric outpatient departments between 2001 and 2006, were reviewed. The Clinical Global Impression-Severity and -Improvement scales (CGI-S and CGI-I) were applied to the data retrieved from the charts.


RESULTS
The majority of the 26 patients included were treated with second-generation antipsychotics. A positive, statistically significant correlation was found between the implementation of pharmacotherapy and a reduction in CGI-S scores (p<0.05). Treatment response in patients with no mental retardation was better than in those mentally retarded (p<0.05). The majority of patients in whom clinical improvement was found following implementation of treatment had participated in at least one form of intervention therapy in addition to the principal treatment (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Second-generation antipsychotics seem to reduce psychomotor agitation and aggressive behavior in patients with autistic spectrum disorder; however, further studies are required to evaluate the side effects of these drugs in relation to their beneficial effects.
Novaes
Camila Marinho
CM
Bahia School of Medicine and Public Health , Salvador, BA, Brazil. marinhocn@hotmail.com
Pondé
Milena Pereira
MP
Freire
Antonio Carlos Cruz
AC
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents